MidHudsonNews [dot] com is reporting courts in the Third Judicial District, comprised of Columbia, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster counties, and the Ninth Judicial District including Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties, are now entering phase two of a gradual return to in-person operations. For the past two weeks, judges and staff in the two districts have been returning to their courthouses. The goal of phase two is to safely increase courthouse foot traffic in a gradual manner, so courts are able to select matters that require an in-person appearance while continuing to maximize virtual appearances. Essential family court matters will be conducted in person and heard by the assigned judge. Criminal, juvenile delinquency and mental hygiene law proceedings concerning a hospitalized adult will be held virtually and heard by the assigned judge. Non-essential matters will continue to be held virtually. Non-essential court staff will continue to work virtually during this phase. Read the full story at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.